"With the passing of Hurricane Isabel north of the Bahamas without making landfall, the Department of State has given permission for those US government employees and eligible family members who evacuated ahead of the storm to return to the Bahamas," the department said in a statement.

On Friday, as the hurricane appeared to be approaching the Bahamas, the department authorized non-essential personnel and the families of all staff at its embassy there to leave at government expense.

In addition, the department advised US citizens against visiting the islands "due to the threat posed by Hurricane Isabel" which was then approaching the Bahamas at full strength.

Tuesday's statement rescinded that warning.

Isabel, which is still packing winds of 105 miles (170 kilometers) an hour, may have missed the Bahamas, but tens of thousands of people have fled their homes along the US East Coast where the storm is expected to make landfall on Thursday.

Meanwhile, US warships based at the giant US naval base at Norfolk, Virginia, have began steaming out of port to get out of Isabela's path.

Forecasters say the hurricane will likely hit first in North Carolina and then sweep up the seaboard towards Washington. Nearly 50 million people live in the path Isabel is expected to take.

TERRA.WIRE